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bath & kitchen cleaning tips

quick cleaners
Here's a secret. Some soaps & detergents meant to clean dirty dishes & soiled laundry work great on bathroom fixtures such as toilets & sinks. Ex: liquid dishwashing soap is an effective general cleaner for vitreous chinaware, porcelain enamel & acrylic surfaces & laundry detergent can tidy up bath fixtures in a snap, particularly in areas exposed to hard water. Non-abrasive cleaners such as Spic-N-Span, Mr. Clean All-Purpose & Bon Ami help w/ downright dirty stains.

whirlpools
How do you thoroughly clean a whirlpool? We recommend using a general cleaning solution of warm water & a mild liquid detergent, such as Tide. Every three months, thoroughly clean the circulatory system by filling the whirlpool w/ hot water. Once the basin is full, drop in two teaspoons of dishwasher detergent & one-half cup household bleach. Run the whirlpool system for two minutes, drain & refill w/ cold water. Circulate the cold water for five minutes & drain completely. Now it's time to shine using a manufacturer-recommended wax. First, however, restore dull areas by rubbing them w/ white automotive polishing compound. Do not use wire brushed knives or sharp objects to remove stains or surface blemishes. They can damage the acrylic surface.

virtual vinegar
Soapy gunk loves to settle on faucet spouts & handles. A quick trick for chrome faucets & fixtures is white wine vinegar. Soak a paper towel in the vinegar & squeeze out the excess. Wrap it around the chrome fixture & wait 10 minutes. Take off the wet towel & buff the chrome w/ a dry one. Be sure NOT to use this method on brass or colored fixtures. While you have the vinegar out, it also works to unclog sink drains mucked up w/ soap residue & it's safer than chemical drain openers.

  Plumbing

Tools & Materials

liquid dishwashing soap
non-abrasive cleaners
warm water
household bleach
white automotive polishing compound
white wine vinegar
paper towel

Difficulty: beginner

Repair Time: 20-30min

  Advice by

Friendly Plumber ®

wear rubber gloves & work in a well ventilated area

  Related

Plumbing Articles

how to clean a garbage disposer
how to remove lime deposits on bathroom fixtures
sink & tub drain care & maintenance
porcelain enamel sinks & tub care & cleaning
how to clean fiberglass sinks & tubs
how to clean a vitreous china toilet bowl
how to clean a dishwasher

 

courtesy: MSU Extension Home Maintenance & Repair
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